It is vital to occasionally check the condition of your tires in order to avoid disaster. This guide will explain how you properly check your tires.
Are you unsure of the condition that your tires are currently in? Do you fear that, with the current state of your tires, you'll end up on the side of the road one day soon? If so, then you need to learn all that you can about how to evaluate your tires.
Several telltale signs indicate the need to be inspected and/or replaced. Knowing these signs early on can help you avoid popping one or ruining your car's frame.
See below for an in-depth guide on how to check your tires and why it's so important that you do so.
How to Check the Condition of Your Tires
Tires are one of the most overlooked features of a car. Even though they get put through the wringer each time you drive your car, most people neglect their tires. They never bother to check their tire condition or even schedule a routine tire rotation.
If you're looking to check the overall condition of your tires, then there are a few different ways you can go about it. This can lengthen the lifespan of your tires, help you avoid serious situations, and avoid the dreaded tire pressure light on your dashboard.
First, check the overall condition of your tire tread. The tread is used to maintain a grip on the road and help you retain control of the vehicle. If you notice that your tire's tread is hard to make out, then it's time to bring them in for an inspection.
Next, you can check the tire pressure. Make sure to invest in a tire pressure gauge (can be bought for less than $15 at any auto parts store) and check the tire pressure every so often. You can check it by removing the cap from the tire and pressing the gauge firmly into the stem of the tire until the hissing (air leaving the tire) stops.
Once you've given it 30 seconds, remove the tire gauge, place the cap back on the stem, and read the tire pressure. Typically, you want it to stay between 32 psi to 35 psi in the winter, and only 2 to 3 psi less than the maximum level it lists in your car owner's manual.
When to Get Your Tires Assessed or Inspected
If you feel that the condition of your tires is sabotaged in any way, then you should immediately schedule an appointment with your trusted auto repair shop. But how can you tell when it's time to send your car into the shop?
Here are some of the telltale signs that you need new tires right away:
You experience a bumpy ride every time you drive your car
You can see visible cracks on the side of the tires
The tread of your tires is worn out considerably; your tires are balding from the outside in
You can see bulging or bubbling on the side of your tires
The depth of your tire's deepest tread is showing the "wear bars", small lines/bars inside the tread.
If you notice any of the signs above, go to your tire shop right away to have them checked. Putting off the assessment is only delaying the inevitable and can end up with you on the side of the road or worse.
Why You Need to Schedule a Professional Tire Inspection
If you aren't sure whether your tires need attention, it's always best to have the professionals take a look; here are a few key reasons why.
Peace of Mind
Admit it... being unsure of your tires' condition eats away at you a bit. You get behind the wheel nervous that today's the day you wind up paying for a tow truck or replacing it with your spare.
You don't have to live with that worry. If you take the vehicle to a trusted auto repair shop, they will help you with the tires. If they need to be repaired or replaced, then the shop can do that for you immediately.
If the auto repair store determines that there's nothing wrong with your tires, then all the better!
Safety
Tire problems never occur at a convenient time. Imagine the horror of having to replace a tire while you're on your way to an important business meeting or while your kids are sitting in the car. Not ideal.
Not to mention that old tires can put you and your passengers at risk. The less tread they have, the less control you'll have on your vehicle when the roads are wet/damp.
Always prioritize safe driving by having your tires inspected regularly. Doing so can protect you and everyone else in the car and all the other drivers on the road with you.
Lengthens the Lifespan of Your Tires
You want to go as long as possible without having to pay for new tires, we get it! But if you neglect your tires, then you're shortening their lifespan considerably.
By scheduling frequent tire rotations, you can protect the integrity of your tires and make them last longer. If a bit of air is seeping out of one tire, the auto repair company can patch it up if it's caught early on.
But if you delay the inspection too long, it can lead to you replacing your 2 front tires, if not all four of them, quicker than you'd anticipated.
Protect the Quality of Your Tires With Frequent Assessments
Now that you have seen the importance of having your tires frequently inspected by a professional, make sure that you make checking tires a priority.
Take the time to read this article for more information on the 5 common car maintenance mistakes you should avoid at all costs.